I started the year with a huge to do list of good intentions but its bloomin Easter already and I'm lagging behind. I absolutely love being organised and planning but I just can't seem to get my patterns completed at the right time! I'm currently working up two gorgeous bunnies to complement my amigurumi range over in the Esty shop but they are in no way ready to launch... oh, did I mention its Easter this weekend! Doh! Oh well, they will be available at some point during spring at the very least.

Anywho, so not to totally miss out on the Easter making frenzy I thought I would share a pattern a designed a couple of years ago for a workshop. This cute little bunny pattern is a great next step project for beginners as it is super quick to make, using just a couple of increases and decreases.

I have written the pattern out, starting from the top of the head and closing at the bottom to create a flat base which will form a small toy that stands freely (...in theory!) But for the chocolate lovers out there, why not finish at round 19 and pop a cream egg in the middle instead? This makes a great gift idea and come on, who doesn't love a chocolate filled bunny?! I know I do, but I'd fill mine with a caramel egg instead. Don't get me started on the 'cream egg is not a cream egg as I know it' fiasco!

Ooh and lastly - Have you heard? I will be once again heading over to the fabulous Knit Nottingham this June and teaching an Amigurumi Workshop. We'll be working up this pattern as well as other super cute animals. To find out more or to book your place (if there is any left) click here!

​For those that just can't wait, here's the pattern... enjoy!

Materials and Equipment

Yarn | These cute little bunnies can be worked up in any yarn weight and fibre (I have used three colours of Stylecraft Classique Cotton for each bunny)

Hook | Use a crochet hook which corresponds with the yarn weight you have chosen. (I used a 2.5mm hook with DK yarn. I like my amigurumi stitches to be worked up tightly so always go down a hook size or two to allow for this)

Soft toy stuffing

Darning needle

Scissors

Abbreviations

Measurements

Approx. 10cm x 4cm

BUNNY | Pattern Starts...

BODYUsing your coloured yarn work in rounds as follows:Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 6 dc into second ch from the hook. [6]Rnd 2: Work 2 dc into each st around. [12]Rnd 3: Work dc into each st around. [12]Rnd 4: 2 dc into first st, dc into next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next st, repeat from * around. [18]Rnd 5: Work dc into each st around. [18]Rnd 6: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 sts, repeat from * around. [24]Rnd 7-19: Work dc into each st around. [24]

Sew up the centre of the ring to close the hole. Add toy stuffing then continue crocheting as follows:

Rnd 20: With right side facing you, work into back loop only as follows: *dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts repeat from * around. [18]Rnd 21: ​*Dc2tog, dc in next st repeat from * around. [12]Rnd 22: *Dc2tog, repeat from * around. [6] Fasten off and sew up to close hole.

FACEUsing white yarn make two cheeks as follows:Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 6 dc into second ch from the hook. Join with a slst to form a ring. [6] Fasten off leaving a yarn tail about 15cm long. Repeat for the second cheek.

Sew up centre of each circle and attach cheeks into position onto the front of the body. Using black thread stitch two eyes and a nose to finish the face.

Place one white ear panel on top of one coloured ear panel (wrong sides facing). Dc around the two long edges and one short edge. Fasten off leaving a yarn tail about 20cm long. Repeat with the other ear. Sew in ends and attach to the top of the head.

TAILUsing white yarn make a mini pom pom as follows:Wrap yarn around the end of two fingers several times, with a separate length of yarn wrap between your fingers, pull tight and knot to bunch yarn together. Remove from your fingers, trim the loop ends and roll between your palms. Trim off any straggly ends and attach your cute little pom pom tail to the bottom back of the body. Voila, your super cute crochet Easter Bunny is complete.

...Pattern Ends

Wow, I made a video!

Ooooh I made a video tutorial!!!! I am hoping this is the first of many video tutorials. I am venturing into new territory here and its been a massive learning curve. I never expected it to be plain sailing but by gum its made my brain hurt.

The tutorial is explained in UK terminology and has been designed as part of my Joining Linesproject with children and beginners in mind. I hope you find it clear and enjoy having a go at making one of your own.

This simple daisy chain tutorial uses chain stitches and slip stitches and is a great project for anyone starting out on their crochet journey as well as those looking for a quick spring make.

It can be worked up in any yarn weight and fibre with corresponding crochet hook. I have used Stylecraft Classique DK Cotton in white and a 4mm crochet hook.

I'm all for breaking the mould, so I encourage you to experiment with the amount of chains you use. The video gives you a basic starting point, so go wild!​

DAISY CHAIN | Pattern Starts....

Begin by creating a slip knot and attaching your yarn to your hook.Rnd 1: Chain 10, join with a slip stitch to form a ring.Rnd 2: *Chain 8, slip stitch into the ring to form a loop (your first petal). Repeat from * 5 more times.​Fasten off and sew in ends.

...pattern ends

NOTES:Chain: To make a chain stitch, simply put your yarn over your hook and pull through loop. Repeat, yarn over, pull through until you have your desired amount of chain stitches.Slip Stitch: A slip stitch is very similar to a chain stitch, simply put your hook into the required space, in this case it is the centre of the ring, yarn over and pull though the centre of the ring and the loop on your hook.

Its as simple as that! Remember, have fun, enjoy the process and happy crocheting!

If you would like to be a part of theJoining Lines exhibitions this summer (read more), please send your finished white daisy chains and doilies, along with your name, age, gender, who taught you to crochet and why you crochet to:

I have always been a little bit in love with doilies. I inherited a few from my granny when I moved out of my parents house to live with my boyfriend, now husband - Mr Towriess some eleven years ago! Some might say they are a little old fashioned but I don't care, they're pretty. I have at least one doily in every room of my house. They are mainly neutral colours and used underneath candles and pictures but I do have a few bold coloured ones in the kids bedroom and at my work desk which I have made myself over the years.

There are so many vintage patterns that, when created using modern yarns and colours, look amazing and so current. I could spend a whole year just experimenting with the handful of doily books and magazines my granny gave me and different yarns and colour combinations! I obviously haven't (yet!!) and wont anytime soon but my love for these beautiful pieces of crochet is what sparked the idea of a project I am super excited about. Joining Lines is a community project I am hosting this spring/summer 2018 and the reason I designed my Unity Doily. Find out more about my Joining Lines project here.​Whether you're planning on getting involved in my Joining Lines project or are simply keen to crochet a doily, I hope you enjoy following this pattern and adore the end result in your home for years to come.

Materials and ​Equipment

For doily

Yarn | This pretty doily pattern can be worked up in any yarn weight and fibre but I feel a cotton or cotton blend works best for this design. (I have used King Cole Bamboo Cotton)

Hook | Use a crochet hook which corresponds with the yarn weight you have chosen. (I used a 4mm hook with 4ply yarn)

Darning needle

Scissors

For blocking

Blocking mat (I use the foam interlocking kids play mats for all my blocking. I think I got a pack for about £10).

Once you have completed your piece and have sewn in all your ends, spray both sides of your doily with water, making sure that everywhere is completely wet. Now lay your doily flat on your blocking mat with the right side facing up. I don't think it's too important that the right side is facing up but I always do so I can make sure it's looking its best.

​Start pinning each point evenly spaced apart. Adjust were necessary until you are happy that your doily is pinned into a nice shape and all stitches are stretched flat. If needed, spray the surface again to make sure there is an even coverage of water. Now leave to dry. Drying times may vary depending on the piece your blocking, room temperature etc. I often block in the evening and then leave to dry over night.